When replacing sensors in your vehicle, a relearn is always required for the newly fitted sensors to relay the information to the relevant system.
Relearn functions are quite sophisticated, requiring expensive OBD2 scan tools. The three main types of relearn functions are:
- TPMS relearn.
- Throttle position sensor (or idle relearn)
- Crankshaft position sensor (or case relearn)
I have compiled the top 5 OBD2 scanners capable of performing either of the relearn functions or all of them. Read until the end to find out which one is the best investment for you.
Best OBD2 scanners with crankshaft (case) relearn
| Launch X431 V Pro 5.0 Elite | Autel MaxiPRO MP900-BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Product image |  |  |
| Crankshaft relearn | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Throttle body relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Full system diagnosis | Yes | Yes |
| Service functions | 37+ | 40+ |
| ECU Coding | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 6,300 mAh | 7,700 mAh |
| Processor | 2.0 GHz 4-core | 1.8 GHz 4-core |
| Operating system | Android 10.0 | Android 11.0 |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Screen | 8 inch Touchscreen | 8 inch Touchscreen |
| Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon |
Launch X431 V Pro 5.0 Elite
The Launch X431 V Pro 5.0 Elite is an 8-inch auto diagnostic tablet capable of resolving basic and complex issues. It has a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, allowing for fast diagnosis complemented by Android 10.0, for a smooth and efficient diagnostic experience. The 64 GB of on-board storage, expandable to 128 GB, is more than sufficient, and the 6,300 mAh battery should have enough juice to keep you going for the day.
Unlike the other scanners, the X431 V Pro 5.0 Elite has many relearn functions but some of the common ones include:
- Crankshaft
- TPMS
- Throttle body
- Transmission
- Brake position
You would need to do a crankshaft relearn when your vehicle’s transmission undergoes mechanical work. A crank relearn establishes a new connection between the camshaft, the crankshaft, and the PCM.
It can also perform full system diagnosis, allowing users to diagnose and resolve problems in any vehicle component. Besides diagnosis, the scan tool also has access to all 10 OBD2 modes.
When it comes to service reset functions, the X431 V Pro has more than 37 advanced functions.
As an auto technician, the device has you covered with its extensive vehicle compatibility with more than 200 car brands covered worldwide. You really shouldn’t run into compatibility issues any time soon.
Equipped with powerful hardware and a huge list of functions, it is a complete tool for advanced DIYers and mechanics.
Autel MaxiPRO MP900-BT
The Autel MaxiPRO MP900-BT is an 8.0-inch OBD2 tablet featuring a powerful 1.8 GHz chipset. It comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. Paired with all of this premium hardware, is the operating system which is running Android 11.0.
The MaxiPRO MP900-BT is also capable of ECU coding and the three main types of relearn:
- TPMS
- Throttle body
- Crankshaft
In addition to the three main types of relearn, the device can also perform the relearn function on the transmission, steering angle, key FOB, and many other components.
The MaxiPRO MS900-BT is also compatible across a wide range of vehicles, so you shouldn’t run into any compatibility issues either.
With such impressive hardware, it is a given that the device can access all vehicle modules to diagnose problems and provide fixes. Users can use live data on different parameters and have access to all 10 OBD2 modes.
Best OBD2 scanners with throttle (idle) relearn
| Autel MaxiPRO MP808S | Ancel V6 Plus+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Product image |  |  |
| Throttle body relearn | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission relearn | Yes | Yes |
| Crankshaft relearn | No | No |
| Full system diagnosis | Yes | Yes |
| Special reset functions | 30+ | 25+ |
| Remote diagnosis | No | Yes |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 8,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64 GB | 32 GB |
| OS | Android 11.0 | Android 10.0 |
| Screen | 7.0 inch Touchscreen | 8.0 inch Touchscreen |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz 4-core | 1.5 GHz 4-core |
| Check price on Amazon | Check price on Amazon |
Autel MaxiPRO MP808S
The Autel MaxiPRO MP808S is a 7.0-inch portable OBD2 tablet that comes equipped with a fast 1.8 GHz 4-core processor. It runs on Android 11.0, the latest available operating system so the interface is very intuitive and smooth. The device has a large 5,000 mAh battery and a decent 64 GB of internal storage, more than enough to last you through the day.
When it comes to relearn functions, the scan tool can perform throttle body, TPMS and transmission relearn. However, it does not allow for crankshaft relearn.
The scan tool is capable of full OBD2 system diagnosis and has access to all 10 OBD2 modes, allowing car owners and auto technicians to diagnose and resolve problems with all of the different vehicle systems.
The device offers more than 30 special reset functions, which is more than what many handheld OBD2 tablets have. Some of these functions include brake bleed, injector coding, and suspension reset.
When it comes to vehicle coverage, the scan tool provides extensive compatibility across 150 different car brands. It works well with US, EU, and Asian car models from 1996 or newer.
Ancel V6 Plus+
The Ancel V6 Plus+ is an OE-level diagnosis tool perfect for DIYers, auto technicians, and mechanic shops.
The device comes with a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor running on an Android 10.0 operating system. The 8.000 mAh battery is more than enough to power the 8.0 inch touchscreen display and get you through the day. 32 GB of internal storage is also sufficient to store historic vehicle data for later use.
Now let’s go over the relearn features on the Ancel V6 Pro. The scan tool can relearn the throttle body, TPMS and also the transmission. However, if you’re looking for a device with crankshaft relearn, consider looking elsewhere.
The throttle body relearn is a procedure that programs the throttle body sensors to provide accurate idle speed when the vehicle computer loses connection with the throttle body. There are a few reasons why you would require a throttle body relearn, some of which include:
- Clearing the Check Engine Light
- Replacing the battery
- Disconnecting battery cables
It is also capable of all system diagnostics, including engine, ABS, SRS, transmission, among many other systems.
The device comes equipped with access to 10 OBD2 modes, including read and clear fault codes, live data, O2 sensor tests, I/M readiness check, and more.
Besides OBD2 functions, the V6 Plus+ allows users to perform more than 25 service functions.
If things get too complicated, there is an option for remote technical support, which allows users to contact the technical team at Ancel directly through the device. It even has free lifetime updates.
Best OBD2 scanners with TPMS relearn only
Launch CRT5011E | 2-in-1 OBD2 and TPMS tool
The Launch CRT5011E is a multi-use OBD2 device capable of accessing all 10 OBD2 modes, Check Engine Light diagnosis, and also TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) relearn.
The 2-in-1 tool can read and clear engine codes, check I/M readiness status, conduct O2 sensor tests, read vehicle information, provide live data with freeze-frame, and more.
In addition to OBD2 functions, the Launch CRT5011E is a great device when replacing TPMS sensors on your vehicle. Users can use the tire pressure diagnosis and activation tool to trigger and relearn the TPMS sensors. In addition, it can also diagnose issues related to tire pressure and use programming to turn off the TPMS light.
With the capability of reprogramming up to 8 sensors at the same time, the CRT5011E can activate the TPMS sensor to help read tire temperature, pressure, and more.
This multi-scan tool comes with five different modes to help users program around 99% of the TPMS sensors on the market.
- Auto-create: Create a new randomly generated ID for each of your vehicle sensors.
- Manual create: Allows users to create a manual ID.
- Copy ID by activation: Scan old sensor and transfer information onto the new sensor.
- Copy by OBD: Read old sensor ID stored in ECU and write on Launch sensors.
- Create Multi-sensor 1-8: Allows users to program up to 8 sensors at a time.
You can also use the following types of relearn methods on your vehicle:
- Stationary relearn: Using the learn mode on the device, users can perform a stationary relearn.
- OBD2 relearn: Using the OBD2 connector, the TPMS tool can write TPMS sensor IDs.
- Auto relearn: This allows a vehicle to learn by simply driving around.
Although it can perform 3 methods of relearn, depending on the car model, these may not be available simultaneously. Moreover, if you’re looking for a throttle body or crankshaft relearn, this is unfortunately not the tool for you, but if TMPS relearn is all you’re looking for, this is a fantastic option.
VXDAS TPMS Relearn Tool for GM vehicles – Cheap solution
To be clear, this is not an OBD2 scan tool. Other than performing TPMS relearn, this tool is not capable of any diagnostic functions. However, it’s darn cheap and it’s something you definitely should consider if TPMS relearn is the only thing you need for your GM car (Chevy, Buick, GMC, Opel, Cadillac, etc.).
Conclusion
Making a decision can often be confusing as everyone wants the best bang for their buck. So which one is a worthwhile OBD2 scanner for you if you’re in the market for relearn features?
If you’re looking to buy an OBD2 scanner with relearn functions, be prepared to cough up some serious cash – they aren’t cheap. The Launch X431 V Pro 5.0 Elite is a powerful OBD2 auto diagnostic tool with some serious internal hardware capable of solving all your car troubles. The scan tool can help with full system diagnosis and also perform all three main types of relearn (crankshaft relearn, TPMS relearn and throttle body relearn) .
If you don’t have the budget or simply want a specific relearn function (TPMS or throttle), going for a cheaper tool can save you quite a bit of money. Do keep in mind that a scan tool capable of throttle body relearn is very likely to perform TPMS relearn. However, an OBD2 scanner with TPMS relearn may or may not conduct a throttle body relearn.
With that in mind, you have a lot of great OBD2 devices to choose from if relearn features are what you are looking for, especially from the ones mentioned above.